During the first half of the 20th century, coffee farmers transported their coffee from the North, especially Tacuba, to the port of Acajutla by mule.

However, a ravine between two mountains interrupted the path. Travelers used to place tree trunks to connect the mountains, but many animals and people slipped, falling off the cliff, until the State built a masonry bridge between both mountains and placed a sign that read: Year 1968, it ceased to be Impossible.

Today, the bridge has been restored and has become a tourist attraction for people visiting the park from the San Francisco Menéndez Sector or from Tacuba.

In 1989 and by legislative decree, El Imposible became a National Park. In 1991, SalvaNATURA’s Natural Areas department received the grant by the State to administer the park, becoming a co-handler organization.

Archaeology

Scientific studies claim that El Imposible houses pre-Hispanic settlements. Proofs of this are eight archaeological sites from various pre-Hispanic periods. In fact, the existence of more sites in the area, which could be discovered in the coming years, is not ruled out.

Tourists may enjoy a walk through the past, while visiting the Piedra Sellada Archaeological Site, which is currently the only place open to the public.

PIEDRA SELLADA ARCHAELOGICAL SITE

This site possibly belongs to the Late Classic period, AD 600-900. It is located 5 km from the Mixtepeque Visitor Center, San Benito Center. The site is within the canyon of Río Venado. It has over 100 carvings: cupolas, butterflies, concentric circles, among others. It is likely that the stone fell off the high cliffs that rise above the canyon, and could have had a mythical, magical or artistic meaning for the creators of these carvings.